Imam Ibn al-Qayyim tells us that a person suffering from psychiatric disorders needs to supplicate their Lord and implore Him with complete sincerity to be freed from this illness, and there are supplications for ruqyah.
One must hold fast to the oneness of one's Lord and ask for mercy and patience. Furthermore, the talbina of the Prophet ﷺ is very effective for psychological problems.
Natural sedatives can also be found, such as valerian, which can be taken in capsule form, two after lunch and two after dinner. It eases sleep and fights stress. In addition, massages with lavender oil and St. John's wort oil can be done, along with walking, as the Prophet ﷺ taught us.
Care should be taken to eat what is beneficial for the brain, rich in magnesium and omega-3s.
It is also advisable to live in community, with people who bring us positive things and who are close to their Lord.
Indeed, many hadiths encourage us to live in community, but a community of trust, one that draws us toward religion.
What the science says: sadness and depression
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for information purposes only — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Sadness and depression
Regular physical activity reduces depressive symptoms according to numerous meta-analyses, including after childbirth (PLoS One, 2023); omega-3s have a complementary effect documented in mood disorders (PLoS One, 2014) (Bipolar Disord, 2021). The professor reminds us that the soul is also healed through the Qur'an, supplication, and the company of righteous people. Precaution: deep depression or dark thoughts require medical and psychological care — natural remedies support this care, they do not replace it.
